Mad Hatter secures spot on the square

In the next few weeks, students will no longer be able to snag a cupcake from the Mad Hatter Cupcake Shop on Coffee Street—they can pop in to their new and improved location on the square, instead.

Everyone in Jacksonville (and surrounding towns, too) knows that when a craving for an extraordinary cupcake kicks in, Mad Hatter’s is the place to go. Currently located just off of the square with their signature “hat-sign,” it’s the place with all the cupcakes that are not only gorgeous to look at and delicious to eat—but are each cleverly themed, too. With names like, “Buddy the Elf,” “Sharp Dressed Man,” and yes, even “Maple Bacon,” Mad Hatter Cupcakes offers one of the most unique dessert experiences on this side of the state.

Over the past few weeks, the company has been gearing up for their next big renovation—a change in scenery.
Owner Carol Watts explains why they are leaving their location on Coffee Street to the square, located between That Shop and the dance studio in the building that was formerly Joe Beer.

“I have always wanted to have a bigger space… the old building is nice but it’s small and kind of a cramped space for eating in and this building provides more space for just that. It is a sudden move, and I am not very big on change, but I think this is going to be great for our business!”

Mad Hatter offers a wide selection of twelve unique flavors, with a different menu every day, ensuring customers that the tiny treats are baked fresh each and every day.

Another thing that this new building might bring to the business is the opportunity of hosting birthday parties and other events hopefully at some point in the future.

The goal for the opening of the new Mad Hatters is set for the first week of February; however, Watts assures us that they will definitely be settled into the new location before Valentine’s Day—their biggest holiday for deliveries and dine-ins alike.

“We hope it will be a seamless transition from the old location to the new location. We don’t want our customers to have an operating day where we don’t sell our cupcakes,” regarded Watts.

Micah McNair, an employee at Mad Hatter, was nothing but positive about the store’s grand re-opening, which could happen as soon as next week.

“Let’s do it! People seem excited,” McNair said.

“All we gotta do is get the word out before Valentine’s Day.”

Andrew Record, a JSU student majoring in finance, has been working part-time at Mad Hatter’s for about two years, and he loves every minute of it.

When asked what makes Mad Hatter such an enjoyable play to work, Record said, “the fun environment. Its a really fun place to work, and the people are great. I’m really excited for the move.”

If this move is successful and Mad Hatter’s business continues to grow, Watts hopes to someday open up a food truck to be able to sell cupcakes in the Anniston and Oxford areas. Don’t worry—the much-needed cupcake pit stop isn’t leaving Jacksonville anytime soon. The Mad Hatter Cupcake Shop can be found on Facebook, where photos of the menu items are posted on a daily basis.